Meet Caitlin Burling | Polymer Clay Accessory Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caitlin Burling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caitlin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always had dreamed of working independently for myself and creating products that I could sell to others. When I lost my job in content marketing at the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I started making clay earrings as a way to fill the time. However, I quickly knew it had the potential to bloom into a larger business. I started by selling to friends and family through Instagram, and soon after created my own website. Initially, I didn’t place too much pressure on my small business to succeed because I didn’t want to lose my excitement for this craft. I took the time to practice my skills and techniques, and worked to create very high-quality products.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Looking for something to fill my time after losing my job March of 2020, I decided to try making earrings out of polymer clay. I had purchased a few polymer clay earrings in the past, and thought it could be fun to make my own. It was much more difficult than I expected, but after many hours of practice and research, I began to create high-quality accessories. In just a short amount of time, my shop grew into a successful business where I was gaining a fast following online and shipping to individuals all over the world. Now, my products are available in over 45 boutiques in both the United States and Canada.

I release small-batch collections a few times each month. These collections typically coordinate in theme and clay colors with the current season. These collections feature between 10-60 earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. My pairs feature one of a kind clay colors that I mix myself, following clay recipes to create unique colors. In addition to Clay By Cait signature clay colors, I incorporate textures and painted patterns in an effort to make my pairs stand out. I aim to create styles that are both dainty and statement, fit for any occasion.

I very much enjoy selling my accessories in person at local farmers markets and events. Connecting with my customers in person is an amazingly satisfying feeling.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of my husband, Kevin, and my family. My family’s excitement for my business from day one greatly supported my success. My husband has provided constant encouragement and support in every aspect of my business’s growth, and for that I am immensely grateful.

Website: https://www.claybycait.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clay_madebycait/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claybycait/